Proponents of protecting confidential sources argue that journalists need a well-established legal privilege , similar to the attorney-client privilege or doctor-patient privilege, to protect them from being forced to reveal confidential information in court.
Why do journalists protect confidential sources?
Journalists rely on source protection to gather and reveal information in the public interest from confidential sources . ... Such sources may require anonymity to protect them from physical, economic or professional reprisals in response to their revelations.
Why do journalists argue that the First Amendment protects them from revealing sources?
Many reporters believe that the First Amendment provides them protection from testifying before a grand jury regarding their sources and prize their role as “neutral watchdogs and objective observers.” According to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, courts traditionally have supported the idea that ...
How important is it for journalists to protect their sources?
Journalists argue that without means to protect their confidential sources, their ability, for example, to lay bare corruption of public officials would be seriously impaired. So strong is the need to protect their sources, that many journalists are bound by professional codes of ethics from revealing them .
Can a journalist reveal their source?
JOURNALISTS must protect their confidential sources if the Press is to safeguard the interests of society. ... Even so, courts do attempt to force journalists to reveal their sources.
Do journalists have to identify themselves?
Does a reporter have to identify themselves? Most news organizations agree that journalists generally should identify themselves and their news organization in the course of routine newsgathering . It is not appropriate to mislead or deceive someone you are interviewing or to use subterfuge to obtain the news.
Do journalists have special rights?
The First Amendment protects both the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press. Journalists have a right to access public places to gather and disseminate news . ... In either case, journalists may be provided access similar to the general public.
What is the 1rst Amendment?
First Amendment Annotated. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Do journalists have immunity?
Hayes (1972), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled (5–4) that, although the First Amendment protects the professional activities of journalists, it does not grant them immunity from grand jury subpoenas seeking information relevant to a criminal or civil investigation.
How are journalists protected?
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is a non-governmental organization that aims to “ defend the right of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal ” and promote freedom of expression. The NGO monitors the imprisonment, disappearances and killings of journalists worldwide.
How can journalists protect themselves?
- Use common sense. ...
- Educate your sources. ...
- Conduct meetings with caution. ...
- Make your phone calls discreet. ...
- Protect your messages. ...
- Look for anonymous communication methods. ...
- Encrypt information and utilize passwords properly. ...
- Use strong passwords.
What is the news source?
In journalism, a source is a person, publication, or knowledge other record or document that gives timely information. Outside journalism, sources are sometimes known as “news sources”.
Can human rights regulations protect journalist sources?
Where a person provides information on the basis that he will not be named or compromised, it is a key rule of journalism that this will remain so. However, the right of protection of journalistic sources does not attract absolute privilege against disclosure as in the case of a doctor or a lawyer.
What’s the difference between a confidential informant and a confidential source?
For example, confidential sources might include barbers, attorneys, accountants, and law enforcement personnel. A confidential informant on the other hand has a direct or indirect involvement in the matter under investigation , and s/he might (incidentally) also be culpable.
Are there any circumstances under which reporters should be required to reveal or protect?
A reporter/journalist can protect and keep confidential a confidential source unless the government can prove:1) That there is probable cause to believe the reporter has info that is relevant to a specific violation of the law .
What are the 9 principles of journalism?
- Obligation to the Truth. ...
- Loyalty to Citizens. ...
- Its Essence is a Discipline of Verification. ...
- Its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover. ...
- It must serve as an independent monitor of power. ...
- It must provide a forum for public criticism and compromise.
